Reasons, Causes, treatment methods for Headache
There are many reasons that can cause headaches to humans, as our body is entirely connected with nerves system, impact on one part can have impact on other, Some headaches are minor and can be treated by home available natural remedies, finding the root cause for headache is the first thing to be done in order to treat effectively, generally headaches are likely to cause due to stress, anxiety, headache caused due to indigestion, headaches cause to gastric problems
Medical treatments for headaches
If Headaches lasts and occurs frequently there can be underlying the reasons like migraine, neck and spinal problems and many more, so if the condition is server and headache is prolonged advisable to visit a doctor and treat accordingly, doctor might recommend any of a variety of treatments, depending on the specific type and cause of your headaches.
Several medications are commonly used to treat headaches.
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers:
These include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). But overuse of Tylenol could cause more headaches.
2. Prescription pain relievers:
Examples include naproxen (Naprosyn), ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol), or indomethacin (Indocin).
3. Triptans:
These drugs treat migraines and would be prescribed for someone experiencing tension headaches along with migraines. An example is sumatriptan (Imitrex).
4. Steroid injections:
This treatment is often recommended for headaches to help calm the nerves and decrease swelling. It may be especially useful for occipital neuralgia, migraines, and TMJ disorders.
5. Muscle relaxers:
Some types of muscle relaxers, like tizanidine (Zanaflex), can help reduce tension and stiffness in the muscles to treat headaches, occipital neuralgia, and TMJ disorders.
6. Ditans:
These medications may be used to relieve nausea or increased sensitivity to light or sound associated with certain types of headaches, like migraines. One of the most common types is lasmiditan.
7. Tricyclic antidepressants:
This class of medications is sometimes prescribed to prevent migraine and occipital neuralgia.
8. Anticonvulsants:
These drugs may help reduce symptoms caused by migraine or occipital neuralgia.
9. Blood pressure medications:
In Blood pressure medications found that beta-blockers like propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol may help decrease migraine symptoms.
10. Botox injections:
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines shown to reduce migraine severity and frequency.
11. Massage Therapy:
Doctor may recommend some massage therapy to relive tension in your necks and shoulders and thus reduce headache
Home remedies can provide relief from mild headaches.
Here are some remedies you can try:
1. Hydration:
Dehydration can often be a cause of headaches. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
2. Rest in a Dark Room:
Lie down in a quiet, dark room and rest for a while. Relaxing in a calm environment can help alleviate headache symptoms.
3. Cold Compress:
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to your forehead or the back of your neck for about 15 minutes. The cold temperature can help numb the pain and constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation.
4. Warm Compress:
Alternatively, you can try a warm compress or heating pad on your forehead or neck to relax tense muscles and improve circulation.
5. Massage:
Gently massage your temples, neck, and shoulders to help relax tense muscles and relieve headache pain.
6. Aromatherapy:
Inhale the soothing scent of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle.
7. Caffeine:
A small amount of caffeine can sometimes help alleviate headache symptoms. You can drink a cup of coffee or tea, but be mindful not to consume too much caffeine, as it can also trigger headaches in some people.
8. Herbal Teas:
Drink herbal teas such as ginger tea, chamomile tea, or peppermint tea, which may have soothing properties and help relieve headache pain.
9. Acupressure:
Apply pressure to specific acupressure points on your hands, wrists, and face that are believed to relieve headache pain.
10. Stay Relaxed:
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and tension, which can trigger headaches.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
If your headache persists and is not relieved by home remedies, you can consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. Follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or medical conditions.
It’s important to note that while these home remedies can provide temporary relief from mild headaches, they may not be effective for severe or persistent headaches. If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.